Top 10 Must-Have Puppy Toys for New Pet Parents
Bringing home a puppy is one of the most exciting (and slightly chaotic) times for any new pet parent. Alongside cuddles, toilet training and learning their adorable little quirks, play is a big part of early puppyhood. Choosing the right toys helps them safely explore the world, burn off energy and build confidence. Whether you’ve adopted a playful lab pup or a tiny terrier, we’ve rounded up the top 10 toys every new puppy needs to grow, learn and thrive.
At Petdirect, We Get Pet. We've sniffed out the best of the best for Kiwi puppies, so let’s dive into the must-haves.
1. Soft Plush Toys For Comfort And Snuggles
Just like human babies, puppies love something soft to cuddle with during nap time. Plush toys offer comfort, especially when your pup is adjusting to a new home. Look for options with different textures or crinkly material to keep little explorers engaged. Bonus points if it squeaks!
2. Teething Toys For Sore Gums
Puppies experience teething from as early as 3 weeks through to about 6 months. This can mean a lot of chewing, so it’s important to offer safe chew toys specially designed for teething pups. They soothe sore gums and help keep your favourite shoes safe from sharp little teeth.
3. Interactive Toys To Stimulate Their Puppy Brain
Stimulate those sponge-like minds with interactive toys that challenge your puppy’s problem-solving skills. Brands like Nina Ottosson offer beginner-level puzzles with hidden compartments for treats. These types of play help prevent boredom-induced mischief and build confidence in young pups.
4. Rope Toys For Gentle Tug And Chew
Rope toys are perfect for supervised tug-of-war and gentle chewing. They can even help with dental hygiene by cleaning between teeth while your pup plays. Try multi-texture rope toys for added sensory stimulation.
5. Balls To Chase And Fetch
Chasing a ball appeals to your pup’s natural prey drive and is a healthy way to get exercise. For puppies, go for small, lightweight balls that are easy to grip in little jaws. Some even have squeakers or lights to boost the fun factor!
6. Lick Mats For Soothing Playtime
Sometimes playtime is about slowing things down. LickiMats are textured mats that you can smear with soft treats like peanut butter or plain yoghurt. Licking is naturally calming for dogs and helps promote slower eating habits too.
7. Toys That Hide Treats
Toys designed to hide tasty tidbits are great for mental stimulation. Look for treat-dispensing options like puzzle balls or wobbling toys that keep pups engaged on rainy days. You can fill them with something from our range of puppy-safe treats for a bit of extra fun.
8. Crinkle And Squeaky Toys To Keep Things Exciting
Pups love cause and effect play. Crinkle or squeaky toys are ideal for encouraging this kind of interaction. The sound rewards them for playing and helps build confidence through curiosity.
9. Durable Toys That Last Through Teething
A durable toy is a must to survive those sharky puppy teeth. Brands like KONG offer sturdy rubber toys that can be stuffed with treats for extended play. They’re designed to last through the toughest gnawing stages.
10. Toys That Entertain When You’re Not Home
Need a helping paw during solo puppy time? Smart and automated toys, like the ones in our tech toy collection, can offer movement, sound or hidden treats to keep your pup occupied while you’re away. They’re especially helpful during the early stages of crate training.
Play With A Purpose
Toys are more than just fun—they help shape your puppy's wellbeing, development and daily routine! Whether it’s soft snuggles for comfort, teething toys for relief, or puzzles to build skills, every toy in your starter set should have a purpose. The best part? Watching them grow, learn and wag their way through puppyhood, tail in full swing.
Explore our full range of dog toys made just for puppies and discover the Puppy Shop for everything from toys to nutritious puppy food. Ready to treat your new best friend? Join our Pet Perks loyalty programme, earn Airpoints, and set up Autodeliver so you never run out of treats or toys.